Explore iconic monuments, indulge in Italian cuisine, and wander down charming streets with this 3-day Rome itinerary.
Welcome to the city full of rich history, incredible food, lively citizens, beautiful art, and more. If you are thinking about going to Rome, trust us when we say book that ticket right now; you will not regret it.
The architecture in Rome is phenomenal, there are amazing restaurants on every corner, and there are so many sights to admire. Rome has so much to offer so you’ll find something new to do every time you go.
I visited Rome with my partner on our month-long Italy stay. We stayed mostly in Airbnbs as we traveled on a mid-tier budget. We prefer having private accommodation.
Within that budget, I’ve created the ultimate 3-day Rome itinerary to ensure you have the best time possible in this incredible city. There is so much more worth seeing and doing, but we found these activities to be the best, especially for first-time travelers to Rome.
Having an itinerary to follow will tremendously help you plan your Rome trip. It’s a good idea to at least have a basic plan of action for traveling, so you can fit in lots of activities in a short amount of time.
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Before You Visit Rome...
Book Accommodation: Browse the best places to stay in Rome
Plan Activities in Advance: The best things to do in Rome
Packing: Use the ultimate Italy packing list for summer & Italy packing list for fall
How to Get Around: Complete guide to traveling by train in Italy
Learn About the City: Fun facts about Rome
Prepare for Your Trip: Tips for visiting Italy for the first time
Ultimate Rome Itinerary - 3 Days
Now let’s break it down! Rome is full of rich history, captivating ruins, beautiful art, and more. So let’s take a look at what you need to see while in this charming Italian city.
The options can be overwhelming when traveling to Rome, especially for the first time. Keep reading for 3 days of fun, great food, and phenomenal sights. This Rome itinerary – 3 days is perfect for anyone who wants to explore the best parts of the city.
Day 1
Breakfast at Caffe Monte d’Oro
Colosseum
Lunch at Cafe Cafe
Roman Forum
Flor Gelato
Piazza Venezia
Life Ristorante
Day 2
Breakfast at Barnum Roma
Piazza Navona
Via del Governo Vecchio
Lunch at Angelo’s
Vatican City
Dinner at Pasta in Corso
Day3
Breakfast at Trecaffè
Spanish Steps
Trevi Fountain
Gelato g Italiano
L’Antico Forno di Piazza Trevi
Pantheon
Obica Mozzarella Bar
Day 1 in Rome
Breakfast at Caffe Monte d’Oro
Colosseum
Lunch at Cafe Cafe
Roman Forum
Flor Gelato
Piazza Venezia
Life Ristorante
Stop 1: Breakfast at Caffe Monte d’Oro
You cannot miss out on an Italian cappuccino and croissant. The coffee is the best we’ve ever had, and we loved it so much that we got about 3 cappuccinos every day. And don’t get me started on the pastries.
If you have a sweet tooth, especially when it comes to breakfast foods, you will be in heaven in an Italian cafe. Check out Caffe Monte d’Oro. Here you will find a great selection of coffees and pastries to start the day.
Stop 2: Colosseum
If you only see one “tourist attraction” while in Rome, make sure it’s the Colosseum. Originally built as a venue to host gladiator combats, man-to-animal fights, and more, this incredible historical sight is a must-see.
Make sure you buy tickets ahead of time if you plan on going into the Colosseum! There are combined tickets for the Colosseum and the Roman Forum, which I highly recommend. You can also just admire the Colosseum from the outside.
Stop 3: Lunch at Cafe Cafe
Grab a delicious lunch just steps away from the Colosseum. Cafe Cafe offers a great selection of all kinds of pasta, pizzas, coffees, and more. We ordered the Margherita pizza and loved it.
While it’s very close to a major tourist attraction, we didn’t find the prices to reflect that. Be careful when dining near popular tourist areas; they will often upcharge for convenience (or naivety).
Stop 4: Roman Forum
After a bite to eat, make your way over to the Roman Forum: beautiful, ancient Roman ruins. Once the place of public meetings, gladiator combats, shops, and more, you can walk through these ruins and learn about what life was like in ancient Rome.
It really feels like you’ve been taken back in time to ancient Rome. Make sure you buy tickets ahead of time if you want to explore all of the Roman Forum.
Stop 5: Flor Gelato
You simply HAVE to get gelato when you’re in Rome. The Roman Forum is all outside, so if you’re visiting anytime between May through October, you’ll definitely want some gelato afterward. Our favorite was Flor Gelato, conveniently located close to the Roman Forum. My favorite flavors are pistachio and lemon!
Read Next: Top 5 Experiences in Rome for Foodies
Stop 6: Piazza Venezia
Admire the architecture at Piazza Venezia next, home of Palazzo Venezia. Watch out for traffic, though, as this is the intersection of four major roads in Rome! Once the embassy of the Republic of Venice, Palazzo Venezia is now an incredible art museum.
Outside you will find statues of great horse-drawn carriages with angels on the roof, and gorgeous fountains, one of the Romans’ specialties. It’s fun to admire from the outside, but if you plan on going inside, you can generally buy tickets at the ticket office on-site!
Stop 7: Life Ristorante
End your first day in Rome with a delicious meal from Life Ristorante. This restaurant offers perfectly flavored and plated Italian meals without totally breaking the bank. The service is wonderful, and everything we ate, we devoured. If the weather permits, sit outside and enjoy the sites of every day life for many locals.
Read Next: 21 Things to Know Before Visiting Italy
Day 2 in Rome
Breakfast at Barnum Roma
Piazza Navona
Via del Governo Vecchio
Lunch at Angelo’s
Vatican City
Dinner at Pasta in Corso
Stop 1: Breakfast at Barnum Roma
You simply can’t go wrong with an Italian breakfast. Start your day off right at Barnum Roma and prepare yourselves for another busy day roaming the streets of Rome! Fill up on fresh food, coffee, and whatever else you please.
Stop 2: Piazza Navona
After a cappuccino and fresh pastry, head over to Piazza Navona to check out the Fountain of Neptune, Sant’Agnese in Agone, and the Fountain of the Moor. There are also shops, restaurants, and cafes to wander through at Piazza Navona.
Stop 3: Via del Governo Vecchio
Ready for a walking and shopping stop? Head over to Via del Governo Vecchio next. This notable Roman street has quaint shops, restaurants, markets, and more. There is a lot to see here, but even walking up and down to window shop is fun. The street is gorgeous and it’s always fun to admire the typical day of locals.
Stop 4: Lunch at Angelo’s
Now it’s time for some lunch. Stop at Angelo’s next to Vatican City for a delicious meal and midday drink. Don’t forget to order an Aperol spritz, an Italian favorite!
We loved everything we had to eat here, and the service was great. You can see the wall of Vatican City from the outdoor patio, and you’re only about 5 minutes from the entrance to the Vatican.
Read Next: Top 10 Dishes to Try in Italy
Stop 5: Vatican City
This is also a must-see when in Rome. You have to stop by and visit Vatican City, even if you don’t have tickets for the Sistine Chapel. It is free to enter St. Peter’s Basilica but be prepared to wait.
Once inside St. Peter’s Basilica, admire incredible architectural and artistic feats, no matter your religious beliefs. It is simply breathtaking.
Stop 6: Dinner at Pasta in Corso
End your second day in Rome at Pasta in Corso. Enjoy a delicious meal here, they have tons of pasta dishes to choose from, and you can’t go wrong with pasta in Italy. Talk about cheesy and carb delicious. You won’t go hungry in Rome, you might even not want to stop eating.
Day 3 in Rome
Breakfast at Trecaffè
Spanish Steps
Trevi Fountain
Gelato g Italiano
L’Antico Forno di Piazza Trevi
Pantheon
Obica Mozzarella Bar
Stop 1: Breakfast at Trecaffè
Make the most of your last day in Rome and enjoy several pastries and a fresh cappuccino from Trecaffè. They also have a wonderful selection of sandwiches which make for a great takeaway meal or snack. Future you will be thrilled to remember you have a pastry or sandwich in your bag when you’re tired from all the exploring.
Stop 2: Spanish Steps
Make your way over to these iconic stairs next. Commissioned by the French in the 18th century, the Spanish Steps are located in Piazza di Spagna (Spain), hence the name. There is also a beautiful fountain, Fontana della Barcaccia, located at the bottom of the stairs, and a 16th-century church located at the top, Trinità dei Monti.
Stop 3: Trevi Fountain
This is a must-see as well while in Rome. However, be prepared for it to be busy. Lots of people want to see the Trevi Fountain, and there isn’t too much space around it, so it’s often packed. Rome is home to many famous and beautiful fountains, the Trevi being the most popular.
Stop 4: Gelato g Italiano
Make sure you make another gelato stop while still in Rome. There are many flavors to choose from, and it’s hard to go wrong when it comes to gelato. Trust us. You’ll want more of it. It is sooo good. Check out Gelato g Italiano for an afternoon pick-me-up!
Stop 5: L'Antico Forno di Piazza Trevi
Grab a quick bite to eat or sit down for a meal at L’Antico Forno di Piazza Trevi. They offer espresso, pastries, sandwiches, pizza, and more, so there’s something for everyone here. You’ll be hungry after a long morning of exploring!
Stop 6: Pantheon
Next, head over to the Pantheon. Originally a temple for Roman gods, this architectural inspiration is the best preserved ancient Roman monument. It’s free to get into, but you’ll most likely have to wait in line. The good thing is that the line generally moves very quickly. This architectural feat is phenomenal to admire.
Stop 7: Obica Mozzarella Bar
Devour some of the best mozzarella you’ll ever find at Obica Mozzarella Bar. They also have much more to offer, but you HAVE to try one of their mozzarella dishes. Italy is home to some of the best cheeses in the world, and Obica is home to some incredibly delicious mozzarella.
Read Next: The Best Food Tour + Cooking Classes in Rome
Recap of 3 Days in Rome
Day 1
Breakfast at Caffe Monte d’Oro
Colosseum
Lunch at Cafe Cafe
Roman Forum
Gelato from Gelateria Valentino
Piazza Venezia
Dinner at Life Ristorante
Day 2
Breakfast at Barnum Roma
Piazza Navona
Via del Governo Vecchio
Lunch at Angelo’s
Vatican City
Dinner at Pasta in Corso
Day 3
Breakfast at Trecaffè
Spanish Steps
Trevi Fountain
Gelato g Italiano
Lunch at L’Antico Forno di Piazza Trevi
Pantheon
Dinner at Obica Mozzarella Bar
If you have more time in Rome...
Find more activities and sights in this guide to the best things to do in Rome.
Dive into your foodie side with the best experiences in Rome for food lovers.
Take a day trip to another beautiful Italian city like Florence or Pisa.
Where to Stay in Rome
If you’re still looking for the right accommodation for your trip, you’ve come to the right place. Rome is filled with a plethora of hotels and Airbnbs. Check out the best places to stay in Rome.
Here are my top recommendations!
H10 Palazzo Galla: Average $270 USD per night
Casa Santa Sofia: Average $130 USD per night
Hotel Touring: Average $95 USD per night
Don't know what to pack for your trip to Rome?
I’ve got you covered! Here are the ultimate packing lists, with free printables I might add, for Italy in the summer and Italy in the fall. The two best seasons to visit in my opinion. Now get packing, Rome awaits you!
Getting around Italy...
If Rome isn’t your only destination, learn how to get around Italy easily by using the trains. And if you plan on covering more of Europe, Trainline will be your best friend. The trains are plenty in Europe and the best way to travel around, and Trainline allows you to purchase all your tickets and keep them organized in one place.
Is 3 days enough to see Rome?
You can explore some of Rome’s best spots in 3 days. You could easily stay longer, there is so much to see and do in Rome, three days will allow you time to check off some of the most beautiful monuments and indulge at the best restaurants.
How to Spend 3 Days in Italy
While there is so much more to see and enjoy in 3 days in Rome, we truly found these sights and activities to be necessary. And if you only have one day to spend in Rome, no worries! Take a look at our ultimate 1-Day Rome Itinerary.
It is great to have an itinerary to follow for any trip so you have an idea of where to go ahead of time. You don’t have to waste time while you’re on vacation trying to figure out where to go next! And if you’ve ever planned a trip before, you know how time-consuming and stressful it can be.
So save this ultimate Rome Itinerary – 3 days for your trip to the Eternal City! See the best of Rome for yourself and experience life in this bustling, incredible Italian city.
